Specialty Pharmacy
Prescription Journey
Specialty pharmacy is a critical part of the healthcare system, handling complex and high-cost medications. It involves a distinct set of processes and considerations.
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1. Prescription is Received
The journey begins with the doctor prescribing a specialty medication and sending it to the pharmacy.
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2. Benefits Investigation and Prior Authorization
The specialty pharmacy team reviews the prescription, verifies patient information, and checks for any potential interactions or allergies.
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3. Copayment and Financial Assistance
The pharmacy reaches out to the patient to explain the medication, answer any questions, and confirm their information.
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4. Delivery and Education
The pharmacy dispenses the medication, ensuring proper packaging, labeling, and instructions for safe use.
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5. Ongoing Care and Case Management
Specialty pharmacies provide ongoing support, including refill reminders, medication adherence guidance, and assistance with insurance claims.
Medication Disposal and Take-Back Kiosks
The Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative permits pharmacies to collect pharmaceutical waste from consumers in special collection bins. Initially, take-back bins were installed in the main lobby of the hospital and near the pharmacy in the Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center. In November, two additional bins were added – in the Comprehensive Cancer Center Pharmacy and at the UC Davis Health Davis Clinic Pharmacy. All prescription medications, including Schedule II-V controlled substances, creams, over-the-counter medications and pet medications are accepted.
Sharps Disposal
The UC Davis Specialty Pharmacy offers a safe way to dispose used sharps (needles, syringes and lancets). We can provide you with a small sized home sharps container, at no charge. These sharps containers can be mailed for disposal or returned to one of the UC Davis Specialty Pharmacies. Used sharps will ONLY be accepted for disposal by our pharmacies if you return them in a securely closed sharps container.
If you do not have a sharps container, check with you local waste collection service to find out how to dispose of your sharps. Often times a hard plastic container with a screw-on lid (for example, an old detergent bottle or plastic milk bottle) can be used. Before disposal, tape the lid shut so that it will not accidentally open and make sure not to overfill the container.
You may also ask your doctor about the disposal of sharps in their office during your next visit.
Please visit the following websites for additional resources: (Search “sharps disposal”)
Unused or Expired Medication Disposal
The UC Davis Specialty Pharmacy offers medication TakeAway Environmental Return System envelopes for easy and convenient disposal of your unwanted non-controlled medications. Please ask the pharmacy for this envelope.
For Medication Disposal sites please visit: www.DontRushToFlush.org or www.med-project.org
